Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2015
622. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received a submission from the Irish Petrol Retailers Association in connection with the problem of forecourt drive-offs; his views on the content of this submission; the initiatives he proposes in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18131/15]
View answer628. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration has been given to proposals by the Irish Petrol Retailers Association with regard to tackling forecourt drive-offs; if the Government is considering any proposals to counteract such illegal activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18348/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 622 and 628 together.
I have received recent communication on behalf of the Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA) in connection with theft of motor fuel at filling stations.
Incidents of the nature mentioned in the Question are serious offences and, accordingly, are appropriate to An Garda Siochana for investigation and prosecution where warranted. An Garda Siochana have access to the data on my Department's National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) to assist in such investigations.
There are provisions under Section 60 of the Finance Act 1993, as amended, and associated regulations whereby NVDF data may be released directly to certain parties. However, data releases involving vehicle ownership details, which is personal information, are primarily to public bodies including, as already mentioned, An Garda Siochana, to assist with delivery of various statutory obligations and for road safety related purposes. Any extension of access to the NVDF for other purposes would represent a fundamental departure in how the information on the NVDF system is accessed and used, a position which is supported by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. There are also concerns that such a departure could adversely impact the integrity of the NVDF and detract from the primary purposes of the system which are the collection of motor tax and enforcement of vehicle regulation.
I am satisfied that there are not any compelling grounds in these circumstances for access to the NVDF for purposes other than those already mentioned.
